Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Exploitation happens to our elders in the community but also in nursing homes and assisted living. If you live in a long-term care home, and have a concern, reach out to your local ombudsman. https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The consequences of elder abuse are grave: older adults who are abused are twice as likely to be hospitalized, four times as likely to go into nursing homes, and three times as likely to die. While studies show that 60% of abusers are family members, abuse can happen in any setting: in the older adult’s own home or a senior living community. If you have an abuse or neglect concern for someone living in a nursing home or assisted living, reach out to your local long-term care ombudsman.https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living, or adult group home, stay in touch and talk to them about potential scams. For concerns contact your local ombudsman https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman

We agree! being a certified nurse aide (CNA) is a tough job, and we are grateful for all those who care for residents in nursing and assisted living homes. https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman

Happy National Certified Nursing Assistants Day! 🎉

Whether in hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living, or providing care in people’s homes, CNAs are the backbone of compassionate care. You show up with heart, patience, and kindness, no matter the setting.

We are so grateful for all that you do! 💙

Find your local ombudsman at https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/LTCO - Long Term Care Ombudsman

The fear of retaliation is real, and it is never acceptable.

Every resident has the federally protected right to raise concerns without punishment, and there are steps you can take to counter retaliation when it does occur.

Along with reporting to the State Licensing Agency, you can get free, confidential help from the Ombudsman program: theconsumervoice.org/get-help

Ensign: The Nursing Home Empire Built on Fatal Neglect Patients are dying.

We will be a part of Legislative Advocacy Day in Washington DC on June 4th and here are some of the issues we'll be discussing with Ohio lawmakers. These are realities faced by residents living in long-term care. https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Learn the warning signs to watch for including unexplained physical injuries, sudden changes in banking or spending, unsanitary living conditions, or withdrawal from normal activities. If someone lives in the community, and you have a concern, contact Ohio Adult Protective Services, 1-855-OHIO-APS. If someone you're concerned for lives in a nursing home or assisted living, contact your local ombudsman https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman

Looking forward to this webinar. Please share with any Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services you may know.

Join Consumer Voice and the Department of Justice next Wednesday at 2pm for a webinar to introduce our new toolkit designed for Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services to prepare them for calls into long-term care facilities. Register to join: https://bit.ly/4nPv452

In addition to the 100 hours of training every ombudsman takes to become a certified Ombudsman Specialist, all ombudsmen and volunteers take 18 hours of annual continuing education. We were pleased to welcome 61 ombudsmen from across the state to continuing education last week here in Columbus. We strive to keep our advocacy and problem-solving skills sharp and keep up with the latest rule and legislative changes, all in an effort to better serve residents living in Ohio's nursing, assisted living and adult group homes. Thanks everyone for a great day of training! https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman

Pro Seniors, Inc. Ombudsman - Montgomery County, Ohio ABLE Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio Area Agency on Aging District 7 - Ohio Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program LTCO - Long Term Care Ombudsman Direction Home of Eastern Ohio Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities Direction Home Ombudsman and Advocacy